In a major move to protect public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has barred all food brands from labelling their products as Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) unless they strictly adhere to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) prescribed formula.
The directive, issued on October 14, enforces immediate compliance and prohibits the sale of any product falsely marketed as ORS. “They cannot use the ORS label or sell such products anymore. We’ve won this battle,” said Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician who has been actively campaigning against falsely labelled ORS brands, in an Instagram post.
Why ORS Matters
ORS — a simple mix of sugar, salt, and clean water — plays a crucial role in treating dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive heat. Its efficacy depends on glucose, which aids the body in absorbing both water and electrolytes.
Dr. Santosh highlighted that several companies were marketing beverages as ORS despite lacking glucose — a critical ingredient for its effectiveness. “Once the formula changes, it ceases to work,” she cautioned.
Background to the Ban
FSSAI had earlier, in April 2022, warned against misleading advertisements that promoted flavoured or electrolyte drinks as ORS substitutes. The latest order reinforces that only products meeting WHO standards can use the ORS label, ensuring consumers are not misled by similar-looking alternatives.
The Correct WHO-Approved ORS Formula
According to WHO, the authentic ORS recipe includes:
- Six teaspoons of sugar
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- One litre of clean water
Doctors warn that altering this ratio — or adding flavouring agents, fruit powders, or other ingredients like spirulina — can reduce the formula’s effectiveness.
How to Identify Genuine ORS
Medical experts suggest the following checks for authenticity:
- Use only the WHO-recommended composition.
- Avoid products with artificial sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
- Steer clear of ORS drinks with added flavours or herbal ingredients.
- Purchase pre-measured sachets from pharmacies for safety.
Paediatricians emphasize that while flavoured drinks may appear convenient, parents should always ensure they use genuine, WHO-approved ORS when dealing with dehydration. “When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no room for compromise,” doctors remind.
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